Dan Simmons' Hyperion Cantos, taken collectively, is one of the finest space operas ever composed, as it were. Although built upon the events in the first volume, HYPERION, this novel, THE FALL OF HYPERION, stands as a testament to Simmons's ability to evoke a sense of wonder in an epic that spans time and space. The characters, which make any good story, are richly drawn from classical literature. When you find yourself rooting for a character, e.g., Sol Weintraub and his daughter, you know you've got a winner. And I actually looked forward to scenes with Martin Silenus, curious to see if the poet could get any more vulgar. And then there's web, Simmons' prescient allegory for today's interconnected world.

While leaving a few questions unanswered or new ones firmed, it's a satisfactory ending to a good story and wraps up the main parts to the point that you can take a break from the story. But it will call you back. The emotion from the narrator can really suck you into the story.